American Arts Incubator

American Arts Incubator uses new media and/or mural arts as a means for engaging youth, artists, and underserved community members in overseas communities in Asia to advance U.S. foreign policy by addressing a local community issue, such as women’s empowerment, HIV-AIDS prevention, social inclusion, conflict resolution, and the environment.

Working with a community to develop a tangible art work, the program reaches wide audiences, while also fostering in-depth engagement with specific groups, such as women and underserved youth. To further community engagement, the traveling American artists conduct workshops, master classes, talks, public events, and/or other outreach activities, in addition to designing and executing murals and/or new media art work.

American Arts Incubator is being implemented by ZERO1: The Art and Technology Network. American Arts Incubator uses the entrepreneurial model of business incubators favored by Silicon Valley start-ups to address community issues through a cross-cultural visual arts collaborative project. Under this program, American artists will travel abroad to Laos, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines for one month to lead an arts incubator and a microgrant program for new media and mural art projects.

Eligibility and Application Overview

Public applications are accepted.

Qualifying Criteria

Emerging, mid-career or established visual artists

Strong record of artistic accomplishments with some international experience

Relevant experience working with youth and local communities, whether in urban or rural areas

U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age and currently residing in the U.S.

Record of engaging with other artists, art educators, and other community members through master classes, workshops, discussions, and other outreach activities

Additional eligibility requirements for this program may vary by country.